He said it was not necessary to immediately ban people from entering Sabah or Sarawak for expressing a dissenting opinion.

“Why take such measures? If they are Malaysian citizens, they have the right to travel to any part of Malaysia,” he told FMT.

“However, if they come to incite unrest and pit the people against the government, or to stir up hatred on religion, race or the monarchy, then indeed their entry into the state should be prevented.”

Karim’s remarks came after Sarawak and Sabah activists demanded the states ban Akmal and four others, accusing them of fuelling racial and religious tensions, and causing social discord.

The other four include independent speakers and preachers Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Firdaus Wong, Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and Syakir Nasoha.

Earlier today, Karim called on Akmal to end his KK Mart boycott campaign, saying his actions were detrimental to the country.

The controversy began on March 13 after photographs of socks featuring the word “Allah” at a KK Mart outlet in Bandar Sunway went viral on social media.

Although the company issued an apology, Akmal has persisted in advocating a nationwide boycott of the convenience store chain.

KK Mart’s founder and director Chai Kee Kan and Loh Siew Mui have claimed trial to intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by selling the socks.